While the Navy supplies the ships, the Marines use the ships as transport and for deployment purposes, serving alongside the sailors. Marines serve as the United States' instantly ready international force, positioned worldwide in or near areas of conflict or concern. To stay ever-ready in the right locations, Marines are often deployed on Navy ships.

Deployment vs. Station

Although Marines often are deployed on ships, they aren't stationed on ships. Duty stations are Marine or Navy bases that are home to the Marines between deployments, usually for a year or more. A deployment typically is more short-term, with a specific assignment. When the deployment is complete, the Marines return to the bases at which they are stationed and where their families typically reside.

Ship Deployment

When deployed on a Navy ship, a Marine has a specific job. He might be a helicopter pilot, munitions specialist or mechanic; his job is related to his duty as a Marine, not a job related to the Navy ship. A Marine mechanic, for example, is charged with keeping the tanks, helicopters and other vehicles in working order and ready for combat. Navy sailors handle the jobs related to the ship, such as maintenance and navigation. Marines are deployed on ships that are strategically placed in different areas of the world so they are close to potential conflict areas. This allows them to respond rapidly to problems that arise in an attempt to remove the threats and avoid full-scale war.

Ship as Transport

Marines ride on Navy ships when the ship isn't the deployment; the ships serve as transport vessels for the Marines, carrying them from duty stations to areas of deployment. These areas might be war zones, U.S. embassies in conflict areas, places that require relief efforts or naval bases that need additional protection. The Navy ships carry the Marines and their equipment to the area of deployment, then return them home when the deployment is complete.

What They Do on Ships

Although the sailors run the ships, the Marines stay busy during ship deployment or transport. They participate in drills to keep their amphibious skills sharp, maintain equipment so it's constantly in top working condition and attend briefings and planning sessions. The Marines also spend part of their time exercising, keeping their bodies combat-ready. They assist Navy personnel when necessary.

About the Author

Based outside Atlanta, Ga., Shala Munroe has been writing and copy editing since 1995. Beginning her career at newspapers such as the "Marietta Daily Journal" and the "Atlanta Business Chronicle," she most recently worked in communications and management for several nonprofit organizations before purchasing a flower shop in 2006. She earned a BA in communications from Jacksonville State University.